'Persons of interest' arrested in double homicide case

Dan McDonald

Managing Editor

1/8/2015

The Butte County sheriff’s office displays the firearms and drug paraphernalia that were concealed under G.D. Hendrix’s jacket when he was arrested Tuesday night. Photo courtesy Butte County sheriff’s office

Two people have been arrested as persons of interest in the Dec. 20 shooting deaths of Cromberg residents Mike and Olga Kroencke.

Acting on a tip, Butte County sheriff’s detectives responded to the Canyon Creek Store at 9607 Oro-Quincy Highway where they encountered G.D. Hendrix as he was leaving the store about 6:30 p.m.

Detectives ordered Hendrix to the ground. Hendrix reportedly yelled back and initially raised his hands. But he then lowered them down to his waist and reached under his jacket.

Officers tackled Hendrix and placed him in handcuffs.

While searching Hendrix officers found he was carrying several concealed weapons.

The weapons included an AK-47-style semi-automatic assault rifle loaded with a 30-round magazine strapped to his back; a loaded .22-caliber revolver at his waist; and a loaded .223-caliber hunting pistol slung over his right arm.

He also had a concealed dagger and brass knuckles hanging around his neck.

“This is a perfect example of why we had to be careful about the information we were putting out (regarding the double homicide),” Butte County sheriff’s spokesperson Miranda Bowersox said. “He’s a very dangerous person. We didn’t want him to know we were looking for him.

“This could have gone very badly,” Bowersox added. “We are fortunate that no one else was hurt.”

Lotta Hendrix was arrested at a location in Berry Creek about 11 p.m.

He was booked on multiple firearm charges and possession of methamphetamine.

He is being held on $1 million bail in the Butte County jail. Lotta Hendrix is held on $500,000 bail.

According to the sheriff, the Kroenckes were shot to death in their car while on their way to visit their son, who lives in the Berry Creek area in the foothills north of Oroville.

On Dec. 29, the Butte County sheriff and Chico Police Department, served a search warrant at the Hendrixes’ 310 Galen Ridge Road residence in Berry Creek.

The search resulted in the seizure of an explosive device and firearms. No one was home during the search. Warrants were then issued for the Hendrixes’ arrest.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Butte County sheriff’s detective Matt Rackley at 530-538-7671.

This is a developing story. Details will be reported in the Jan. 14 edition of Feather Publishing newspapers.